Press Conferences

Kyodo News, ICHIKAWA: I would like to ask about the U.S easing of sanctions against Russia. On October 9, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a temporary easing of sanctions on Russian diesel fuel. While this appears to be against the backdrop of President Trump struggling to bring down fuel prices, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has criticized this move as being weak. Given the Government of Japan’s position of supporting Ukraine and advancing sanctions against Russia, how do you view the latest response by the U.S.? Could you share your thoughts on this?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: As the overall direction, we understand that the U.S. has continued its mediation efforts, including sending special envoys multiple times, to help achieve an early peace between Ukraine and Russia.

With regard to the latest response, I believe that the U.S. made the decision after taking various factors into consideration. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on each individual action taken by other countries.

That being said, based on Japan’s position that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force can never be tolerated, there is no change in Japan’s policy that we will continue to work closely with the international community in providing support for Ukraine while imposing sanctions against Russia.

Nikkei Shimbun, NAKAOKA: I would like to ask about the U.S. Government’s sanctions against the ICC (International Criminal Court) and Japan’s response. On October 9, the U.S. announced sanctions against the ICC as a whole. On October 10, you held successive telephone meetings with ICC President AKANE Tomoko and with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio. Could you please tell us the objectives and outcomes of these telephone meetings? Furthermore, Japan joined the statement by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties and the Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers, both of which oppose the sanctions and call for their revocation. What was the reason for Japan’s participation in these statements? Additionally, could you explain why the Bureau’s statement went so far as to call for the revocation of sanctions against Ms. AKANE personally?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding the U.S. announcement on October 9, as the Prime Minister and I already communicated, Japan has consistently attached great importance to upholding the rule of law in the international community, and supports international courts and tribunals that play a key role in this regard, including the ICJ (International Court of Justice), the ICC, and ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea). The latest measures are incompatible with Japan’s consistent position, and Japan is deeply concerned about them.

I understand that the sanctions were announced at around 11:30 p.m. last Friday. The following evening, on October 10, I held a telephone meeting with President AKANE in response to the announcement. We exchanged views on the current situation surrounding the ICC. I listened closely to President AKANE’s thoughts, while showing my solidarity and support for her.

Furthermore, at the Japan-U.S. Summit meeting last month, both countries concurred that Secretary of State Rubio and I would maintain communication regarding this matter. In line with this, on the evening of October 10, we held a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ telephone meeting —immediately after Secretary Rubio returned from his overseas trip, even though it was a weekend morning in U.S. local time. During the talk, I raised this matter and conveyed the position of the Government of Japan, and we concurred on maintaining close communication between us.

Regarding Japan’s participation in the Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers you mentioned, as well as the issuance of the statement by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties—a body that represents all ICC States Parties and of which Japan is a member—these actions were taken following coordination with relevant countries in light of Japan’s position.

Even under these difficult circumstances, the Government of Japan will continue to reach out to the U.S., maintain communication with President AKANE and related countries, and work toward strengthening the rule of law in the international community.

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: The government of Sakhalin Oblast in Russia’s Far East announced today that a delegation from China’s Heilongjiang Province visited Etorofu Island, which is part of the Northern Territories under Russia’s effective control. The delegation visited the Northern Territories in conformity with Russian procedures. I would like to ask for the reaction of the Government of Japan.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: We are aware of the reports. We are currently verifying the facts, and we intend to respond appropriately based on Japan’s position.